3. Ethanol (MW = 46) is soluble in water and is a liquid at room temperature, bu
ID: 491495 • Letter: 3
Question
3. Ethanol (MW = 46) is soluble in water and is a liquid at room temperature, but propane (MW = 44) is insoluble in water and is a gas at room temperature. Explain why these two compounds have such different properties despite their similar size.
3. Ethanol (MW = 46) is soluble in water and is a liquid at room temperature, but propane (MW = 44) is insoluble in water and is a gas at room temperature. Explain why these two compounds have such different properties despite their similar size.
3. Ethanol (MW = 46) is soluble in water and is a liquid at room temperature, but propane (MW = 44) is insoluble in water and is a gas at room temperature. Explain why these two compounds have such different properties despite their similar size.
Explanation / Answer
Ethanol contain the hydroxyl functional group -OH and have similar chemical properties water molecules, ethanol is polar due to the electro-negativity of the oxygen atom. Ethanol molecules can form hydrogen bond to each other and to water molecules. This explains their solubility in water. Ethanol is liquid at room temperature because attractive forces between its molecules are greater. The intermolecular bonds must be broken to form a gas. propane, is a compound that has no hydrogen bond forming capabilities, so that it is insoluble in water. It is found as gas at room temperature because intermolecular force of attraction between the molecules of propane is very less.
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